LEOMINSTER — Leominster’s WLPZ 95.1 FM has honored its late founder, Sonny Levine, by dedicating its broadcast room in his name. The “Sonny Levine Broadcast Room” was unveiled during a ceremony held at the station at 24 Church Street, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2025.
Back in 2018, the idea of a local radio station was just a vision of the mayor’s, who enlisted Sonny Levine to turn this dream into a reality.
“He put his heart and soul and money into the station,” said Denise M. Sutton, the current station manager who was trained by Levine. “Spending time recruiting people and getting furniture for the station. We were not funded by the city.”
Although the city provided a radio license and initial office space, it was Levine’s leadership – and personal investment – that truly shaped the station’s future. Originally housed in a single room on the third floor, the station moved to a more prominent and spacious location on the first floor of the Gallagher Building after former State Senator Jennifer Flanagan vacated her office. This new space, now home to WLPZ, includes a broadcast room, production area, and meeting space.
Sonny was passionate about bringing music, information, and education to the community, Sutton said. He enlisted volunteers with various interests to share their knowledge with the community. Under his leadership, WLPZ developed a diverse lineup of programs. The station keeps listeners informed about road work and events in Leominster and offers a wide range of music.
“The radio station has great volunteers: Jeff, Thom, David, Garrett, Jordan, Scott, Adam, Mary Ellen, Andi, Pam, Brian, Anita, CJ, and Tom (he records all our promos),” said Sutton. “David does our weather report. So, with all these great volunteers, we will keep the radio station going in memory of Sonny.”
There is also a Saturday morning show where guests discuss different health issues, and CJ, a DJ at the station, provides movie reviews during his show on Saturday morning as well.
(Photo Credit: Sonny Levine’s Facebook page)
“Sonny was like a big brother and a mentor to me,” Sutton said. “He ensured that our troops overseas could tune in, and his efforts like the annual Summer Concerts, which he started 11 years ago, will continue in his memory.”
Levine, who passed away from cancer related to Agent Orange exposure during his service in Vietnam, left a lasting impact not only on the station but also on those who knew him personally. “Sonny loved his family and friends,” Sutton added, “He was always there if you needed anything, even during his illness. He had a very big heart. A lot of people didn’t understand him, but he would always let you voice your opinion. Then he would say why or why not something could be done. I am proud to carry on the radio station in his honor and make it grow, they way that Sonny wanted it to.”
